Why Make This Recipe
Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is a warm and comforting dish that brings a smile to everyone at the dinner table. It’s simple to prepare and combines savory ground beef and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for the family.
How to Make Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from about 3 large potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Top with prepared mashed potatoes, spreading to cover the filling completely.
- Dot the mashed potatoes with butter and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
You can serve Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole hot, right out of the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors. Each serving is hearty enough on its own, but adding a side of warm bread can make it even more satisfying.
How to Store Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze individual portions. Just be sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer.
Tips to Make Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for quick preparation.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, like green beans or bell peppers.
- If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version of Shepherd’s Pie by replacing ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat substitutes and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This way, you can enjoy a similar taste and texture while keeping it meat-free!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can use store-bought mashed potatoes to save time!
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. If using a thermometer, it should read around 165°F (74°C).
Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Easy Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef Lean ground beef is recommended.
- 1 medium onion, chopped Add more for extra flavor if desired.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Minced garlic enhances flavor.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) You can use fresh vegetables as well.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste Adds depth to the filling.
- 1 cup beef broth For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Optional for added flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to preference.
Topping
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from about 3 large potatoes) Leftover mashed potatoes can be used.
- 2 tablespoons butter For dotting on top before baking.
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) Add for a cheesy topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Top with prepared mashed potatoes, spreading to cover the filling completely.
- Dot the mashed potatoes with butter and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if using.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.